Meet the Candidate: Bob Weaver, Turlock Unified School District

The following is a questionnaire sent out by The Bee to candidates for the November 2009 election. Candidates supplied the answers, and they are being published it their unedited form.

What is your full, legal name?

Robert Joseph Weaver

What name do you prefer be used in print?

Bob Weaver

What office do you seek?

Board member of the Turlock Unified School District

What is the primary reason you are running for this office?

I have been involved with the youth in our community for approximately ten years, serving as a Scout leader, a youth sports coach, and a PTA member. I have three children in the school district. I have one attending elementary school, one in middle school, and my oldest in high school. I feel that this office is another level of involvement, one that I am qualified to hold.

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected?

The biggest priority will be the budget. This one matter will influence all actions taken by the district for the next couple of years. Turlock Unified School District may be stronger financially than many of the districts around, but things can change quickly with additional cuts from the California State Legislature in 2010. The biggest challenge facing the district will be balancing the budget while maintaining a superior learning environment. We need to provide opportunities for college bound students as well as those seeking vocational education programs. The arts, sports, and agricultural classes are also an important part of a well rounded education.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

Over the last ten years I have shown my leadership skills through various volunteer organizations. I am currently the Julien PTA president. I was chair of the Julien school site council for five of my six years. I am also vice-chair of the Measure Y citizens oversight committee. I have been a scout leader for nine years and coached youth sports. I spent six years as a state board member of the California Association of Pest Control Advisors.

I have deep seeded roots in the Turlock education system. I graduated from Turlock High School in 1981, as had my father in 1944. My grandmother taught at THS in 1912. I am also vested in the district by having three sons attending various schools. My oldest son attends high school, one in middle school, and the youngest is in elementary school. My graduation from Cal Poly, SLO with a degree in Agricultural Business gives me the business background to help the district succeed.

It is with these experiences that I will bring to the board a new vision and energy that is greatly needed during the tough times that we are facing.

Where do you work and what is your job title? (If retired, list position before retirement)

I am a fieldman for Ag Production Company (AgPro). An independent agricultural supply company based west of Turlock

What date were you born and where?

Turlock, California. November 1, 1962

What is your spouse's name, if any?

Donna Weaver

What are the names and ages of your children, if any?

Christian; 10yrs old, attending Julien Elementary School

Ryan; 12yrs old, attending Dutcher Middle School

Blake; 14yrs old, attending Turlock High School

Please list the schools and colleges you attended, the degrees you attained and when.

Turlock High School, 1981; Modesto Junior College, 1984, AS Agricultural Business; Cal Poly, SLO, 1987, BS Agricultural Businesss

Have you ever held an elected or appointed public office? (Include dates and office title)

President, Julien PTA; Vice Chair, Measure Y Citizens Oversight Committee; President, Central Valley chapter of the California Assoc. of Pest Control Advisors; Chair, Julien School Site Council; State Board Member of the California Assoc. of Pest Control Advisors

Have you run before for an elected public office? (Include dates and exact office title)

No

Approximately how much money do you expect to spend on your campaign?

$ 4,000

Have you ever been convicted or charged with a crime other than a minor traffic violation? If so, please explain and include dates and locations.

No

Have you or a business you owned or had principal interest in ever filed bankruptcy? If so, please include dates and the location the bankruptcy was filed.

No